India to host Nepal in football friendly in Mumbai

Lebanon were originally scheduled to play India, but they pulled out citing visa issues

Indian football team will face off against neighbours Nepal in an international friendly at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai on June 06. The fixture was announced by All India Football Federation (AIFF). Lebanon were originally scheduled to play India on June 07, but they pulled out citing visa issues and thus Nepal was confirmed as the new opponent for India.

All Nepal Football Association confirmed the development in a statement and revealed the AIFF approached them. “The Nepal National men’s team will be playing an international friendly against India national team in Mumbai on June 6,” the statement on its official website said. Also Read- FIFA U-17 World Cup: India beat Italy 2-0 in practice match

“The All India Football Federation approached the ANFA for the friendly. The friendly will be benefiting both the teams as they are preparing for the second matches of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 qualifiers,” it added.

India coach Stephen Constantine commended AIFF for arranging the replacement and also went on to thank Nepal Football Association.

“With Lebanon pulling out at the 11th hour, our preparations had suffered a jolt. It was disappointing but at the same time the situation was beyond our control. It was just so hard to find a replacement as all other Teams had already finalised their schedule. But thanks to my colleagues in the AIFF, we managed to rope in a team at such a short notice and that’s highly commendable,” India coach Stephen Constantine was quoted as saying by IANS.

“I need to thank the Nepal FA for accepting our request. Personally, I have huge respect for Nepalese people and we look forward to a great match,” Constantine added.